Crackle. Crackle.
The sound of the delightful, yellow fire with the slight orange tint provided her apartment with a soothing atmosphere. Scully sat comfortably on her sofa, sipping at a half-filled glass of luscious red wine. It had been snowing a storm outside. At times like these she felt a little more than thankful. Thankful she had a warm home to reside in. She felt sudden melancholy for homeless people at this time of year. She had to admit to herself, she was fortunate. Not the most fortunate person in the world, but she had what she needed, and that's what mattered most.
While taking another sip of her wine, a sudden knock on the door had echoed in her ears. She placed the glass down and took a breath, slowly standing up and walking toward the door. She felt wholesome, mellow. Finally in her life, she had felt a great amount of relaxation over her tired body. Christmas had been in two days. She had already accomplished shopping along with wrapping. Now she had the chance to relax before Christmas day when she would meet at her mother's house to see the family.
"Merry early Christmas, Scully." Mulder greeted her at the door with a hand behind his back, obviously hiding something. He must have known she'd be out of town on Christmas, and didn't want to bother her on Christmas eve. This wouldn't stop him from visiting her during the holiday season, outside of work that is.
"Mulder," Scully's mouth twisted into a warm, welcoming smile as she stepped back from the door. "Come in." She easily welcomed him. She was in a great mood, and didn't mind having a visitor. Especially when it had been someone she'd gotten close to over the years. She was beginning to become emotional attached and had no control over it. She couldn't help it.
Was she falling for him?
Mulder entered and glanced over at the fireplace. "Sure is cozy in here." He smirked, and revealed what he had been hiding behind his back. He handed it to Scully. A nicely wrapped gift, topped with a red bow. She smiled once taking a look at it. Her eyes moved to meet Mulder's.
"You didn't have to." She smiled, carefully taking the bow off of the top of the present and beginning to tear the wrapping paper. She let the paper drop on the floor. She'd clean it later. A long, black box was the outcome. She looked up at Mulder and smiled, curious as to what it could be. Her eyes dropped back down to the box. She took off the lid, revealing a silver, diamond bracelet. A small, silver charm hung down. The letters formed together to create the word 'trust'. Scully pressed her lips together and smiled, her eyes met Mulder's.
"Wow, Mulder, it's beautiful." Scully spoke the truth. It must have been expensive. The message behind the five letter word truly was special.
Oh, how badly Mulder wanted to reply with a corny 'And so are you.' but he refused to let himself. Did she even look at him that way? In her mind, were they just friends, just partners? Mulder couldn't help but wonder.
He watched Scully clasp the bracelet onto her wrist. It looked even more beautiful on her than he could have imagined. His lips formed a smile as he took a step closer to his partner, their faces centimeters apart.
Tempted to press his lips against hers, he asked, "You know what I want for Christmas, Scully?"
"What?" She responded, her smile had never faded.
"This." His lips pressed against hers gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck, liking the feel of his lips against hers.
"Merry Christmas." He whispered against her lips.
"Merry Christmas." She repeated.
Yes, definitely falling for him.